Graphic novel about Andre the Giant, "Closer to Heaven" possibly being made into film
05-10-16, 11:49 AM
#1
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Graphic novel about Andre the Giant, "Closer to Heaven" possibly being made into film
From cinemablend.com:
While most biopics try to tell larger than life tales, the story of Andre "The Giant" Roussimoff is one that is hard to beat. His stature was only exceeded by his reputation, as both a wrestling legend in the World Wrestling Federation and an actor in such classics as The Princess Bride. Now his story of extreme fame, and his secret pain, is about to be brought onto the big screen – all thanks to his daughter.
Variety broke the news today that Andre's daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, is helping the biography, Andre the Giant: Closer To Heaven, become a motion picture. Under the guidance of production house Stone Village, which is run by producers Scott Steindorff and Dylan Russell, the 2015 graphic novel detailing the life and times of the man more simply known as "Andre the Giant" is on a bit of a fast track to production. Which leaves a burning question hanging in the air: who's going to play the man, the myth, the legend himself?
While there's no official casting mentioned in the item announcing the film's production, one man comes to mind when it comes to playing the role of Andre the Giant. Robert Maillet, the Canadian former professional wrestler who's played the heavy in such projects as Sherlock Holmes and The Strain, seems like the most perfect fit for the role of Andre, and for various reasons. Most importantly, the fact that Maillet stands at a large 6'11", which is only a little off from Andre the Giant's 7'4" stature, is a pretty important factor that puts Maillet head and shoulders above any other candidate. Throw in his French speaking abilities, and his pro-wrestling background, and you could see where we're going here.
Of course, the actual physical resemblance gap between Robert Maillet and Andre the Giant is something that needs to be worked through. But considering all of the other factors that Maillet has going for him, we'd be surprised if he wasn't already in the running for the gig, which should be as thrilling as it is sad. Andre "The Giant" Roussimoff had been wrestling ever since he was 17, and had not only engaged in several high profile feuds during his career with the World Wrestling Federation, but eventually found himself dealing with health problems related to his Gigantism. At age 46, Roussimoff passed away due to congestive heart failure, leaving a legacy of entertainment in his wake.
No matter who ends up playing Andre the Giant in this new biopic, the resemblance will come in second to the ability to capture the warmth and the spectacle that Andre was able to exude throughout his life. While there's no immediate plans for production, and no release date in sight, there's plenty of time for a proper talent search to be conducted.
While most biopics try to tell larger than life tales, the story of Andre "The Giant" Roussimoff is one that is hard to beat. His stature was only exceeded by his reputation, as both a wrestling legend in the World Wrestling Federation and an actor in such classics as The Princess Bride. Now his story of extreme fame, and his secret pain, is about to be brought onto the big screen – all thanks to his daughter.
Variety broke the news today that Andre's daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, is helping the biography, Andre the Giant: Closer To Heaven, become a motion picture. Under the guidance of production house Stone Village, which is run by producers Scott Steindorff and Dylan Russell, the 2015 graphic novel detailing the life and times of the man more simply known as "Andre the Giant" is on a bit of a fast track to production. Which leaves a burning question hanging in the air: who's going to play the man, the myth, the legend himself?
While there's no official casting mentioned in the item announcing the film's production, one man comes to mind when it comes to playing the role of Andre the Giant. Robert Maillet, the Canadian former professional wrestler who's played the heavy in such projects as Sherlock Holmes and The Strain, seems like the most perfect fit for the role of Andre, and for various reasons. Most importantly, the fact that Maillet stands at a large 6'11", which is only a little off from Andre the Giant's 7'4" stature, is a pretty important factor that puts Maillet head and shoulders above any other candidate. Throw in his French speaking abilities, and his pro-wrestling background, and you could see where we're going here.
Of course, the actual physical resemblance gap between Robert Maillet and Andre the Giant is something that needs to be worked through. But considering all of the other factors that Maillet has going for him, we'd be surprised if he wasn't already in the running for the gig, which should be as thrilling as it is sad. Andre "The Giant" Roussimoff had been wrestling ever since he was 17, and had not only engaged in several high profile feuds during his career with the World Wrestling Federation, but eventually found himself dealing with health problems related to his Gigantism. At age 46, Roussimoff passed away due to congestive heart failure, leaving a legacy of entertainment in his wake.
No matter who ends up playing Andre the Giant in this new biopic, the resemblance will come in second to the ability to capture the warmth and the spectacle that Andre was able to exude throughout his life. While there's no immediate plans for production, and no release date in sight, there's plenty of time for a proper talent search to be conducted.
05-11-16, 03:44 AM
#5
Re: Graphic novel about Andre the Giant, "Closer to Heaven" possibly being made into
Andre wasn't actually ever 7'4. That was just the carny aspect of professional wrestling. At his tallest he was around 7'2. After back surgeries and weight gain he was around 6'10 when he wrestled Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania 3. Maillet would be an interesting choice. Although I don't know that he has the dramatic chops needed for the role. Also, right now, he is older than Andre ever was. Depending on the ages they are going to portay Andre, it might be tough. Then again, when casting someone like Andre the Giant, the list of prospects is very very narrow. Maillet might be the only guy for the role. Unless they pull an Of Mice and Men and put lifts on someone. (Although even that might not work considering Andre's hands were like a couple of cement blocks.) I just PRAY, they don't use CGI in any way.
On the up and up though, I hope they include some of the legendary Andre stories. Like how he would routinely drink well over 100 beers in a sitting, or the time a couple of guys were hassling him in a bar until Andre finally snapped, chased them outside into their car, and flipped their car over.
On the up and up though, I hope they include some of the legendary Andre stories. Like how he would routinely drink well over 100 beers in a sitting, or the time a couple of guys were hassling him in a bar until Andre finally snapped, chased them outside into their car, and flipped their car over.
